By Protecting One Another, We’re Protecting Ourselves
I know some really strong women who are fighting for the paths of happiness, security, and well-being for all. I also know some really strong men who are living an alternate path of consciousness, personal integrity, kindness, and social responsibility.
We do not need to fight each other. We need each other, and we should support each other. Enough with bashing men and degrading women.
That being said, the paths are often littered with obstacles that are disproportionately overrepresented for men and women of color. While men of color and women of color share many of the obstacles, there are many more that are specific to gender as well, whereever on the gender spectrum you most closely identify with.
We need to stop pretending that we are only men, women, of color, not of color, straight, trans, gay, queer, broke, poor, rich, wealthy. People are at the intersection of multiple lines, groups, and traits, and many of us lie on this intersection. We are more than the sum of our parts and that amalgamation is a beautiful thing.
Our multi-faceted selves add beauty to this world, and gives us perspective that even our closest family, allies, and friends may not have. Use your voice, but use it wisely. We’ll all be better off if you do.